Jade Emperor

Jade Emperor, Yu Huang
The Ruler of Daoist Heaven
China
Undated
wood
14 inches height
Originally from American Baptist Seminary of the West

The Jade Emperor in Chinese folk culture is the Ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below, including that of Man and Hell, according to a version of Taoist mysthology. He is one of the most important gods of the Chinese traditional religion pantheon. In actual Taoism, the Jade Emperor governs all of the mortals' realm and below, but ranks below the Three Pure Ones.

His rise to eminence took place during the Sung Dynasty after the Emperor Chentsung was defeated by Liao invaders in 1004. In order to redeem his reputation, the story was spread that the Jade Emperor would send down divine revelations, which is reported to have taken place in 1008.

As part of the lore regarding the Jade Emperor, at the beginning of each new year, his subordinates ascend to his palace in heaven and report to him. Depending on how well these deities have lived up to their responsibilities, the Jade Emperor may reward them by promoting them to a higher position or punish them with a demotion.